U.S. Relations With United Arab Emirates

More information about the United Arab Emirates is available on the United Arab Emirates Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.

U.S.-UNITED ARAB EMIRATES RELATIONS

The United States has had friendly relations with the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) since 1971, following its formation and independence from the United Kingdom. The two countries established formal diplomatic relations in 1972. The U.A.E. plays an influential role in the Middle East, and is a key partner for the United States. The United States and the U.A.E. enjoy strong bilateral cooperation on a full range of issues including defense, non-proliferation, trade, law enforcement, energy policy, and cultural exchange. The two countries work together to promote peace and security, support economic growth, and improve educational opportunities in the region and around the world. U.A.E. ports host more U.S. Navy ships than any port outside the United States.

U.S. Assistance to the United Arab Emirates

The United States provides Export and Border Security (EXBS) assistance to the UAE.

Bilateral Economic Relations

The prosperity of the U.A.E. is based in large part on the country's vast oil and gas reserves, and it is the United States’ single largest export market in the Middle East and North Africa region. More than 1,000 U.S. firms operate in the country. Many U.S. companies, drawn by strong logistics and transport industries, use the U.A.E. as a regional headquarters from which to conduct business throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Building on the U.S.-U.A.E. Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, the two countries have entered into an Economic Policy Dialogue, establishing a formal mechanism to promote increased trade and investment between the two countries.

The United Arab Emirates' Membership in International Organizations

The U.A.E. and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.

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